U.S. patent application number 15/262244 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-29 for heating/cooling module.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAHLE International GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is MAHLE International GmbH. Invention is credited to Gottfried DUERR, Joachim Michael HAUG, Herbert HOFMANN.
Application Number | 20160375745 15/262244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52649042 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160375745 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DUERR; Gottfried ; et
al. |
December 29, 2016 |
HEATING/COOLING MODULE
Abstract
A heating/cooling module having a condenser region, an
evaporator region, and at least one fluid distribution region. The
condenser region has a first flow section which can be flowed
through by a refrigerant and a second flow section which can be
flowed through by a coolant. The evaporator region has a third flow
section which can be flowed through by a refrigerant and a fourth
flow section which can be flowed through by a coolant. The flow
sections are formed by a plurality of flow ducts which are
configured between the individual disc elements which form the
heating/cooling module. A first fluid inlet and a first fluid
outlet are provided, via which the condenser region can be flowed
through with a coolant. A second inlet and a second outlet are
provided, via which the evaporator region can be flowed through
with a coolant.
Inventors: |
DUERR; Gottfried;
(Ludwigsburg, DE) ; HOFMANN; Herbert; (Stuttgart,
DE) ; HAUG; Joachim Michael; (Mundelsheim,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAHLE International GmbH |
Stuttgart |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MAHLE International GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
52649042 |
Appl. No.: |
15/262244 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2015/055152 |
Mar 12, 2015 |
|
|
|
15262244 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 2021/0085 20130101;
F25B 2500/18 20130101; F25B 2500/17 20130101; B60H 1/3229 20130101;
F25B 25/005 20130101; F28D 9/0093 20130101; F25B 2400/05 20130101;
B60H 1/00899 20130101; F25B 40/02 20130101; B60H 1/32284 20190501;
F25B 39/00 20130101; F28F 3/08 20130101; B60H 1/00485 20130101;
F28F 9/26 20130101; F28D 2021/0068 20130101; F25B 2339/047
20130101; B60H 2001/00928 20130101; B60H 1/3227 20130101; F25B
43/003 20130101; B60H 1/00278 20130101; F28D 2021/0084
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60H 1/32 20060101
B60H001/32; F25B 43/00 20060101 F25B043/00; B60H 1/00 20060101
B60H001/00; F28F 3/08 20060101 F28F003/08; F25B 39/00 20060101
F25B039/00; F25B 40/02 20060101 F25B040/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 17, 2014 |
DE |
10 2014 204 936.9 |
Claims
1. A heating/cooling module having a stacked disc configuration,
the module comprising: a condenser region having a first flow
section through which a refrigerant is adapted to flow and a second
flow section through which a coolant is adapted to flow; an
evaporator region having a third flow section through which a
refrigerant is adapted to flow and a fourth flow section through
which a coolant is adapted to flow, wherein the first, second,
third and fourth flow sections are formed by a plurality of flow
channels that are arranged between individual disc elements forming
the heating/cooling module; at least one fluid distribution region
arranged between the condenser region and the evaporator region,
the at least one fluid distribution region having a thermostatic
expansion valve through which refrigerant is adapted to flow; a
first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet via which the coolant
flows through the condenser region; a second inlet and a second
outlet via which the coolant flows through the evaporator region;
and a third inlet and a third outlet via which the refrigerant
flows through the heating/cooling module.
2. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein a
second fluid distribution region is provided, which is disposed on
a side, facing away from the first fluid distribution region of the
evaporator region or the condenser region.
3. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the
flow channels, formed between the disc elements, are divided into a
number of regions by partition elements, each of the individual
regions being assigned a heat exchanger.
4. The heating/cooling module according to claim 3, wherein the
individual regions are in fluid communication with one another via
flange elements.
5. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the
inlets and/or outlets are integrated into flange elements.
6. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the
inlets and/or the outlets are each integrated on one or more disc
elements or between two adjacent disc elements and are in fluid
communication with at least one flow channel, and wherein the disc
elements are arranged adjacent to the disc elements that close the
disc stack at a top and bottom.
7. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein all
inlets and outlets are disposed on a common outer surface of the
heating/cooling module.
8. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the
heating/cooling module further comprises a collector and/or an
internal heat exchanger and/or a subcooler.
9. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein a
filter is integrated into one of the refrigerant flow sections, and
wherein the filter is mounted in a flow direction upstream of the
thermostatic expansion valve.
10. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein a
collector is disposed outside the heating/cooling module on or
adjacent to one of outer surfaces, and wherein the collector is in
fluid communication with one of the refrigerant flow sections.
11. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein a
pressure-reducing section in the form of a cross-sectional
narrowing is provided along one of the refrigerant flow sections or
one of the coolant flow sections.
12. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the
coolant and refrigerant is adapted to be flowed cocurrent or
countercurrent to one another through the individual heat
exchangers formed by the regions.
13. The heating/cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the
evaporator region, the condenser region, and the first fluid
distribution region, and, if present, a further fluid distribution
region, and/or a subcooler, and/or a collector, and/or an internal
heat exchanger are arranged next to one another in a direction
transverse to a stack direction of the heating/cooling module.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application is a continuation of
International Application No. PCT/EP2015/055152, which was filed on
Mar. 12, 2015, and which claims priority to German Patent
Application No. 10 2014 204 936.9, which was filed in Germany on
Mar. 17, 2014, and which are both herein incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a heating/cooling module with a
stacked disc design, with a condenser region, with an evaporator
region, and with at least one fluid distribution region, whereby
the condenser region has a first flow section, through which a
refrigerant can flow, and has a second flow section, through which
a coolant can flow, and the evaporator region has a third flow
section, through which a refrigerant can flow, and has a fourth
flow section, through which a coolant can flow, whereby the flow
sections are formed by a plurality of flow channels, which are made
between the individual disc elements, forming the heating/cooling
module, whereby a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet are
provided, via which a coolant can flow through the evaporator
region, and second inlet and a second outlet are provided, via
which a coolant can flow through the condenser region, and a third
inlet and a third outlet are provided, via which a refrigerant can
flow through the heating/cooling module.
[0004] Description of the Background Art
[0005] Evaporators are routinely used in motor vehicles to cool the
interior space. Furthermore, condensers are used which release the
heat to the external air. Other components are routinely added to
the refrigerant circuits in order to realize further
functionalities. This occurs, for example, to enable heating of the
interior space or to cool additionally installed batteries. This is
increasingly the case particularly in electrically operated
vehicles in order to operate the batteries, necessary for driving,
within an optimal temperature window.
[0006] Because of these additional components, the refrigerant
circuits become very complex and error-prone. There is the risk,
furthermore, of an unintentional refrigerant migration in idle
regions of the refrigerant circuit. Idle regions are, for example,
regions with no throughflow at times. Switching valves are needed
for the control and regulation of these circuits; these valves
entail an increased installation effort and furthermore likewise
increase the susceptibility to errors.
[0007] In an alternative design, the refrigerant circuit can be
connected to a warm and a cold water-Glysantin circuit. In this
case, the heat can be coupled out arbitrarily via air-water heat
exchangers. At least one so-called chiller and a condenser are
needed for providing the warmer and cooler water. A chiller is used
in this case particularly for cooling a medium flowing around the
chiller. In the simplest case, a circuit produced in this way
therefore can comprise a chiller, a condenser, a thermostatic
expansion valve (TXV), and a compressor. In addition, a collector
can be provided for equalizing fluid fluctuations. A water-side
subcooler or an internal heat exchanger can also be provided to
bring about improvement in the efficiency.
[0008] It is disadvantageous in solutions known in the prior art
that the plurality of employed elements bring about a high space
requirement. Furthermore, a plurality of connecting lines must be
provided in order to connect the individual elements to one
another. These connections increase the assembly effort and
represent an additional source of error. It is disadvantageous,
furthermore, that no internal heat exchangers or chillers are
integrated in solutions known thus far, which are formed by a
combination of a plurality of heat exchanger elements in one
structural unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to
provide a heating/cooling module which is notable for a compact
design and has as few connections as possible for supplying the
individual components in the heating/cooling module. Furthermore,
the heating/cooling module is to be especially simple to
manufacture.
[0010] An embodiment of the invention relates to a heating/cooling
module with a stacked disc design, with a condenser region, with an
evaporator region, and with at least one fluid distribution region,
whereby the condenser region has a first flow section, through
which a refrigerant can flow, and has a second flow section,
through which a coolant can flow, and the evaporator region has a
third flow section, through which a refrigerant can flow, and has a
fourth flow section, through which a coolant can flow, whereby the
flow sections are formed by a plurality of flow channels, which are
made between the individual disc elements, forming the
heating/cooling module, whereby a first fluid inlet and a first
fluid outlet are provided, via which a coolant can flow through the
condenser region, and second inlet and a second outlet are
provided, via which a coolant can flow through the evaporator
region, and a third inlet and a third outlet are provided, via
which a refrigerant can flow through the heating/cooling module,
whereby the at least one fluid distribution region is disposed
between the condenser region and the evaporator region and has a
thermostatic expansion valve through which refrigerant can
flow.
[0011] A fluid distribution region is particularly advantageous in
order to realize the fluid supply and fluid removal into the
heating/cooling module and out of the heating/cooling module. The
fluid distribution region in this case can also be part of, for
example, the refrigerant and/or coolant flow sections. Sleeves or
tube sections as well, which enable a fluid line through the
specific region, can be run through the fluid distribution region
but also through the evaporator region and/or the condenser region.
In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of fluid distribution
regions can also be provided.
[0012] It is an embodiment, a separate coolant stream can flow
through the condenser region and the evaporator region. Two water
circuits with different temperature levels, in particular a warm
water circuit and a cold water circuit, can be supplied in this
manner by the heating/cooling module, which forms a structural
unit.
[0013] A second fluid distribution region can be provided, which is
disposed on the side, facing away from the first fluid distribution
region, of the evaporator region or the condenser region.
[0014] A second fluid distribution region is especially
advantageous to enable greater flexibility with respect to the
arrangement of the fluid inlets and fluid outlets. In alternative
embodiments further fluid distribution regions can also be
provided. In particular the flow through the heating/cooling module
can also be influenced by the position of the fluid inlets and
fluid outlets.
[0015] An exemplary embodiment provides that individual flow
channels between the disc elements can be in fluid communication
with one another due to openings with passages or openings without
passages in the disc elements.
[0016] A fluid flow upward and/or downward to the flow channels
adjacent in each case can be achieved by means of the openings in
the disc elements. It can be achieved by means of the openings with
passages that individual flow channels can be skipped.
[0017] The flow channels, formed between the disc elements, can be
divided into a number of regions by partition elements, each of the
individual regions being assigned to a heat exchanger.
[0018] By dividing the individual flow channels into subregions,
the individual regions, forming the individual heat exchangers, can
be separated fluidically from one another. Partition walls, for
example, can be provided for this purpose. The individual regions
can be divided both in the direction of the stack direction and in
a direction transverse to the disc stack direction.
[0019] The individual regions can be in fluid communication with
one another via flange elements. Flange elements can be provided,
which enable conveyance of fluids between the individual regions.
As a result, a fluid can be conveyed through a number of regions
within the heating/cooling module.
[0020] The inlets and/or outlets can be integrated into the flange
elements. This is especially advantageous to achieve a compact
heating/cooling module design. At the same time, a skillful
construction of the flange elements can achieve that the fluid when
flowing in via a fluid inlet is divided equally among a number of
regions or upon flowing out via a fluid outlet is conveyed away
simultaneously from a number of regions.
[0021] The inlets and/or outlets can each be integrated on one or
more disc elements or between two adjacent disc elements and are in
fluid communication with at least one flow channel, whereby the
particular disc elements are arranged adjacent to the disc elements
that close the disc stack at the top and bottom. It is especially
advantageous, if the fluid inlets and fluid outlets open directly
into the particular flow channels, formed between two disc elements
adjacent to one another. A direct supplying or discharging into or
out of the flow channels occurs in this way. This also contributes
to a compact heating/cooling module design.
[0022] In an embodiment, all inlets and outlets can be disposed on
a common outer surface of the heating/cooling module. An
arrangement of all inlets and outlets on a common outer surface of
the heating/cooling module is especially advantageous to achieve a
compact heating/cooling module design. This results in an
advantageous design for mounting the heating/cooling module in an
available installation space, because supply and discharge lines
need to be provided on only one side. This reduces the necessary
installation space and is moreover advantageous for maintenance and
repair work.
[0023] The heating/cooling module can have a collector and/or an
internal heat exchanger and/or a subcooler, in addition to the
condenser region, the evaporator region, and the fluid distribution
region.
[0024] A collector is advantageous to create a fluid reservoir,
which is required to be able to equalize volume fluctuations in
particular within the refrigerant circuit. A further heat transfer
within the heating/cooling module can be created advantageously by
an internal heat exchanger. This occurs preferably between a
refrigerant, which has flowed out of the evaporator region, and a
refrigerant, which has flowed out of the condenser region. The
efficiency of the heating/cooling module can be increased further
by this additional heat transfer. A subcooler is furthermore
advantageous to achieve a further heat transfer between the
refrigerant and a coolant. This increases the efficiency of the
heating/cooling module further.
[0025] A filter can be integrated into one of the refrigerant flow
sections, whereby the filter is mounted in the flow direction
upstream of the thermostatic expansion valve. A filter is
particularly advantageous, if it is mounted in the flow direction
upstream of the expansion valve in order to filter particles that
could damage the expansion valve. The filter can be inserted
advantageously in the heating/cooling module and connected
releasably to it. Easy maintenance of the filter can be made
possible thereby.
[0026] A collector can be disposed outside the heating/cooling
module on or adjacent to one of its outer surfaces, whereby the
collector is in fluid communication with one of the refrigerant
flow sections. The collector can be disposed advantageously outside
the disc stack as well. Preferably it is then placed on one of the
outer surfaces of the heating/cooling module. This is particularly
advantageous, if a collector volume is needed that can no longer be
integrated into the heating/cooling module without substantial
structural modifications.
[0027] A pressure-reducing section in the form of a cross-sectional
narrowing can be provided along one of the refrigerant flow
sections or one of the coolant flow sections. A pressure-reducing
section is particularly advantageous, if a low-pressure region is
to be created. This occurs advantageously in the flow direction
upstream of the evaporator. This also makes it possible to use a
low-pressure collector. The cross-sectional narrowing can be
produced, for example, by an orifice or a tube.
[0028] In an embodiment, the coolant and the refrigerant can flow
in a cocurrent or countercurrent to one another through the
individual heat exchangers, formed by the regions. The heat
transfer between the media can be influenced by the flow in a
cocurrent and countercurrent. Depending on the fluid routing within
the heating/cooling module, both sections through which a
countercurrent flows and sections through which a cocurrent flows
can be created.
[0029] In an embodiment, the evaporator region, the condenser
region, and the first fluid distribution region, and, if present, a
further fluid distribution region, and/or the subcooler, and/or the
collector, and/or the internal heat exchanger are arranged next to
one another in a direction transverse to the stack direction of the
heating/cooling module. This is especially advantageous in order to
realize a simple heating/cooling module structure.
[0030] It is advantageous according to the invention, if all parts,
other than a possibly present TXV expansion valve and a possibly
present filter, can be produced by mass soldering. This can mean
that the aforementioned parts are completely soldered in a single
soldering process. If a so-called orifice expansion valve is used,
it can even be soldered concurrently.
[0031] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and
scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a heating/cooling module,
whereby the heating/cooling module is constructed with a stacked
disc design and the heating/cooling module further is divided into
a number of regions, which form different heat exchangers, and
[0034] FIGS. 2 to 18 each show an embodiment of a heating/cooling
module, whereby the individual regions are installed in series in
different sequences and the flow through the individual regions is
varied by the location of the fluid inlets and fluid outlets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 1 and the additional FIGS. 2 to 18 each show a
schematic view of heating/cooling module 1. All shown
heating/cooling modules 1 each have a first fluid inlet 7 and a
first fluid outlet 6 through which a coolant can flow into and flow
out of heating/cooling module 1. In this regard, the flow passes
through condenser region 2 in particular of heating/cooling module
1. Further, all heating/cooling modules 1 have a second fluid inlet
9 and a second fluid outlet 8, through which a coolant can also
flow in and flow out, whereby this coolant flows primarily through
evaporator region 3 of heating/cooling module 1. Further, all
heating/cooling modules 1 have a third fluid inlet 11 and a third
fluid outlet 10, through which a refrigerant can flow into or out
of heating/cooling module 1. The refrigerant in this case
preferably flows through all regions 2, 3 of heating/cooling module
1.
[0036] Flow section 13 designates the flow path of the coolant in
condenser region 2. Flow section 14 designates the flow of the
coolant within evaporator region 3. Further, flow section 12
designates the flow path of the refrigerant between third fluid
inlet 10 and third fluid outlet 11. Flow section 12 in this case
runs routinely both through evaporator region 3, condenser region
2, and also fluid distribution region 4.
[0037] All FIGS. 1 to 18 each have an expansion valve labeled with
the reference character 5. Said valve is integrated in each case
into flow section 12 of the refrigerant and in each case is placed
in fluid distribution region 4. Said expansion valve 5 corresponds
to a typical expansion valve, as used in refrigerant circuits in
other solutions in the prior art. Expansion valve 5 in this case
can be placed at a later time into heating/cooling module 1 and can
be screwed together with heating/cooling module 1 or simply
inserted into it.
[0038] Heating/cooling module 1 is produced with a stacked disc
design and thus made by stacking a number of individual disc
elements one on top of the other. The disc stack is closed at the
top and bottom in each case by an end plate. A plurality of flow
channels result between the individual disc elements; said channels
are in fluid communication with one another via openings in the
individual disc elements in such a way that a plurality of flow
sections 12, 13, and 14 are formed within heating/cooling module 1.
To this end, the individual disc elements can have openings which
may have passages, for example, by means of which it is possible to
control selectively a fluid flow between the disc elements.
Further, turbulence inserts can be provided in the flow channels
between the disc elements in order to further influence the flow in
the individual flow channels and to increase the heat transfer.
[0039] A coolant or a refrigerant can optionally flow through the
individual flow channels and the flow occurs here such that the
coolant flows with the refrigerant in adjacent sections in
countercurrent to one another or cocurrent to one another.
[0040] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, a condenser region 2
is disposed in the left region and an evaporator region 3 in the
right region. The two regions 2, 3 are separated by a fluid
distribution region 4. This fluid distribution region 4 has fluid
inlets and fluid outlets 6 to 11, by means of which the coolant and
refrigerant can flow into and out of heating/cooling module 1.
[0041] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the flow through
condenser region 2 occurs simply in a U-shaped form. In other
words, no further redirection occurs within condenser region 2. The
flow goes through evaporator region 3 likewise in a U-shaped loop
without providing further redirections. The refrigerant flows via
fluid distribution region 4 and flows in a U-shaped manner through
evaporator region 3, situated on the right. Expansion valve 5 is
arranged downstream of evaporator region 3 within fluid
distribution region 4 and is arranged, furthermore, in the flow
direction of the refrigerant upstream of condenser region 2. The
refrigerant also flows through condenser region 2 in a U-shaped
manner. Then, the refrigerant is taken out of heating/cooling
module 1 via third fluid outlet 11.
[0042] Heating/cooling modules 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 18
each have fluid inlets and fluid outlets 6 to 11, which are
provided laterally on heating/cooling module 1. These can be
arranged preferably on a common outer surface. In otherwise known
solutions in the prior art, the fluid inlets and outlets are
generally located on the top or bottom end plate of the disc stack,
so that the fluid supply occurs from the top or from the bottom.
This is particularly disadvantageous, because the inlet and outlet
lines for the heating/cooling module must be introduced on two
different outer surfaces of the heating/cooling module. In
contrast, FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 18 have an advantageous design,
because the corresponding inlet and outlet lines need to be
introduced only on one outer surface of heating/cooling module
1.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of heating/cooling
module 1, whereby in addition a so-called collector 15, which is
placed in the flow direction upstream of expansion valve 5 and
downstream of condenser region 2, is provided in fluid distribution
region 4. The rest of the flow through heating/cooling module in
FIG. 2 corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. Collector
15 is used in particular for storing the refrigerant and can
thereby bring about volume compensation. Further, dryers and
filters for drying and/or filtering the refrigerant can be provided
in collector 15.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a heating/cooling module 1a with connections at
the top or bottom, as are known in the prior art. The rest of the
structure of heating/cooling module 1a corresponds to that of
heating/cooling module 1 of FIG. 1. Only the arrangement of the
connections is known from the prior art. The combination of
condenser region 2 and of evaporator region 3 with a fluid
distribution region 4 in a mutual structural element corresponds to
the subject of the invention, as was already shown in FIG. 1. Fluid
inlets and fluid outlets 6a to 11a are located on the top or bottom
side of cooling module 1a. Beyond that, there are no differences
relative to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a further alternative exemplary embodiment of a
heating/cooling module 1. Here, an external collector 16 is
disposed outside heating/cooling module 1. The collector is
disposed adjacent to condenser region 2. External collector 16 is
placed in the flow direction along flow section 12 upstream of
expansion valve 5 and downstream of condenser region 2.
Furthermore, a coolant flows in a U-shaped manner through condenser
region 2 and likewise a coolant flows through evaporator region 3
in a U-shaped manner.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of a
heating/cooling module 1 with a condenser region 2 and an
evaporator region 3, between which a fluid distribution region 4 is
disposed. Further, an internal heat exchanger is realized in a
region 17. In particular a heat exchange between the refrigerant
flowing out of condenser region 2 and the refrigerant flowing out
of evaporator region 3 can be achieved in this internal heat
exchanger 17. To this end, the refrigerant is taken in a number of
loops and with a number of redirections through region 17, which
represents the internal heat exchanger. Further, a second fluid
distribution region 18, in which a collector 15 is provided, is
provided on the left next to the condenser region. Second fluid
distribution region 18 has in particular third inlet 10, first
inlet 6, and first outlet 7. Second inlet 8, second outlet 9, and
third outlet 11 are each disposed in fluid distribution region 4.
Likewise, expansion valve 5 is located in said fluid distribution
region 4. The refrigerant flows through condenser region 2 in a
U-shaped manner, before it flows into collector 15 placed to the
left next to condenser region 2. Finally, the refrigerant after
leaving collector 15 is conveyed through condenser region 2 into
internal heat exchanger 17. After internal heat exchanger 17, the
refrigerant flows through evaporator region 3 in a U-shaped manner,
before the refrigerant is finally taken back to internal heat
exchanger 17 and from there to third fluid outlet 11, situated at
the bottom. The conveying of the refrigerant through condenser
region 2 can be achieved, for example, by immersion sleeves, which
are run through the structure of heating/cooling module 1.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of heating/cooling module 1,
whereby a subcooling region 20 is disposed between internal heat
exchanger 17 and condenser region 2. A second fluid distribution
region 18 with a collector 15 is also disposed on the left next to
condenser region 2, as already shown in FIG. 5. In addition to
internal heat exchanger 17, the refrigerant and the coolant of
condenser region 2 now also flow through subcooling region 20.
Further cooling of the refrigerant in subcooler 20 is achieved in
this way, by means of which the efficiency of heating/cooling
module 1 can be increased overall. Fluid distribution region 4, on
the right next to internal heat exchanger 17, and evaporator region
3 correspond further to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 5.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows an alternative arrangement of an evaporator
region 3 at the right end region with a fluid distribution region 4
arranged next to it, an internal heat exchanger 17 arranged next to
that, and a further fluid distribution region 19, which has a
collector 15. Condenser region 2 is disposed on the left next to
fluid distribution region 19. The refrigerant flows in within fluid
distribution region 19 and flows through condenser region 2 in a
U-shaped manner, before it is conveyed into collector 15 in fluid
distribution region 19. From collector 15, the refrigerant finally
flows into internal heat exchanger 17, before it flows through the
expansion valve in fluid distribution region 4 and flows into
evaporator region 3. The refrigerant flowing out of evaporator
region 3 is finally again brought into heat exchange with the
refrigerant flowing out of collector 15 in heat exchanger 17. The
refrigerant then flows out of heating/cooling module 1 via fluid
distribution region 19 in the upper region via third fluid outlet
11. The coolant flows through condenser region 2 and evaporator
region 3 in each case in a U-shaped manner without further
redirection.
[0049] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 corresponds very largely
to that in FIG. 7, with the difference that the refrigerant flowing
out of evaporator region 3 into internal heat exchanger 17 is
conveyed in two parallel flow paths from top to bottom and finally
is taken out of heating/cooling module 1 via a third fluid outlet
11, situated at the bottom.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, collector 15 is
disposed in fluid distribution region 4. The coolant for evaporator
region 3 is supplied via second fluid inlet 8 and second fluid
outlet 9 via the fluid distribution region 4. An internal heat
exchanger 17, in which the refrigerant of condenser region 2 is
brought into heat exchange with the refrigerant of evaporator
region 3, is disposed on the left next to fluid distribution region
4. A fluid distribution region 18, which has third inlet 10, first
inlet 6, and first outlet 7, is disposed on the left next to
condenser region 2. Third inlet 10 is located at the upper end
region and the refrigerant flows through the condenser region in a
U-shaped manner from top down and finally back again upward and
passes at the upper region through internal heat exchanger 17 into
collector 15, which is disposed in fluid distribution region 4.
From there, the refrigerant flows back in the lower region into
internal heat exchanger 17, where it is redirected in a loop, and
after it has flowed through an upper region of internal heat
exchanger 17 is redirected in the lower region back into fluid
distribution region 4 and there into expansion valve 5. The
refrigerant then flows in a U-shaped manner from the bottom to the
top through evaporator region 3 and back into internal heat
exchanger 17 and there from top down to third fluid outlet 11,
which is disposed in the lower region in fluid distribution region
4.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows an arrangement, whereby an internal heat
exchanger 17, a subcooler 20, and a second fluid distribution
region 19 are disposed on the left next to fluid distribution
region 4. Further, a collector 15 is disposed in the left fluid
distribution region 19. The refrigerant in the example of FIG. 10
flows through the third fluid inlet into second fluid distribution
region 19 in the lower region and flows through condenser region 2
in a U-shaped manner, before it enters collector 15 in the upper
region. The refrigerant flows out of collector 15 at the lower end
of collector 15 and is finally conveyed into subcooler 20 in a
cocurrent with the coolant of condenser region 2, before it is
transferred in the upper region into internal heat exchanger 17 and
after a redirection in the lower region finally flows through fluid
distribution region 4 and expansion valve 5 into evaporator region
3. From evaporator region 3, where it flows in a U-shaped manner,
it is finally returned through fluid distribution region 4 into
internal heat exchanger 17 and is there conveyed from the top down
to third fluid discharge 11, situated at the bottom, in fluid
distribution region 4. A further heat transfer between the
refrigerant and the coolant of condenser region 2 is assured in
this way in subcooler region 20 and a heat exchange between the
refrigerant from condenser region 2 and evaporator region 3 in
internal heat exchanger 17.
[0052] The coolant of evaporator region 3 is conveyed further
through it in a U-shaped manner. The coolant for condenser region 2
is introduced at a first fluid inlet 6, situated at the bottom,
into second fluid distribution region 19 and there conveyed in two
directions to the left and to the right both into internal heat
exchanger 20 and into condenser region 2. There, it flows in each
case upward and finally flows out of heating/cooling module 1 via
first fluid outlet 7, situated at the upper end region.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows a structure of a heating/cooling module 1, as
was already shown in FIG. 10. In addition, a further fluid
distribution region 18 is now disposed at the left end region of
condenser region 2. This region has first inlet 6, first outlet 7,
and third inlet 10. The rest of the inlets and outlets 8, 9, and 11
are located in fluid distribution region 4 on the left next to
evaporator region 3. Third fluid inlet 10 is located in the lower
region, as a result of which the refrigerant passes in the lower
region into condenser region 2 and there flows upward, before it
flows in the upper region into the further fluid distribution
region 19 and collector 15 disposed therein. The refrigerant leaves
at the lower end of collector 15 and is conveyed upward in a
cocurrent with the coolant of condenser region 2 within subcooler
20. There it flows to the right via internal heat exchanger 17,
where it is again brought into a further heat exchange with the
refrigerant, which has already flowed through evaporator region 3.
The refrigerant finally flows out via third fluid outlet 11 at the
lower end region of heating/cooling module 1. A modified fluid
routing within condenser region 2 can be realized by the
arrangement of third inlet 10 in the left fluid distribution region
18. The coolant of condenser region 2 is also supplied via fluid
distribution region 18, situated on the left, into the lower region
and there flows upward both in condenser region 2 and also upward
in subcooler region 20. The coolant finally flows out of
heating/cooling module 1 via a common flow section through first
fluid outlet 7.
[0054] An arrangement is shown in FIG. 12, which has from the left
a condenser region 2, an adjacent fluid distribution region 19, an
adjacent subcooler 20, a further fluid distribution region 4, and
an evaporator region 3. Further, a collector 15, through which the
refrigerant flows from the top down, is disposed in left fluid
distribution region 19. The refrigerant flowing out of collector
15, further, is brought into heat exchange with the coolant of
condenser region 2 in subcooler region 20. To this end, the
refrigerant flows at the upper end through third inlet 10 into
fluid distribution region 19 in heating/cooling module 1 and is
here taken in a loop through condenser region 2, so that it can
enter at the upper region of collector 15. The refrigerant is
finally conveyed also in a U-shaped manner through evaporator
region 3 and leaves heating/cooling module 1 at a third fluid
outlet 11 situated at the top.
[0055] FIG. 13 shows an arrangement according to FIG. 12 with the
difference that a further fluid distribution region 18 is disposed
at the left end region of condenser region 2. Said region has third
fluid inlet 10, first fluid inlet 6, and first fluid outlet 7.
Similar to FIG. 11, this additional fluid distribution region 18
makes possible a modified fluid routing, in particular for the
refrigerant along flow section 12 within heating/cooling module 1.
The refrigerant in condenser region 2 is not conveyed in a loop,
but enters at the upper region of heating/cooling module 1 and
flows within condenser region 2 from the top down and from there
into collector 15. Because a subcooler region 20 is provided in
FIG. 13 as well, the coolant of condenser region 2 is conveyed from
the bottom upward both within condenser region 2 and in subcooler
region 20. Both fluid streams are then taken by a common flow path
out of first fluid outlet 7 out of heating/cooling module 1.
[0056] The following FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 each have a condenser
region 2 situated on the left, which is followed to the right by a
subcooler region 20 and further to the right by a fluid
distribution region 4, which has a collector 15. An evaporator
region 3 is located beside this on the right. Fluid inlets and
outlets 8 to 11 in the example of FIG. 14 are located completely
within fluid distribution region 4. A heat exchange between the
refrigerant and the coolant of condenser region 2 is realized
within subcooler 20. The refrigerant flows in particularly at the
lower end region of fluid distribution region 4 and there flows
through subcooler 20 into condenser region 2; from there the
refrigerant flows in the upper region back into fluid distribution
region 4 and into collector 15. From the lower end region of
collector 15, the refrigerant passes through expansion valve 5 in
the lower region of heating/cooling module 1 into evaporator region
3, where it flows upward and finally flows out of heating/cooling
module 1 at a third fluid outlet 11, situated above. The coolant
both for condenser region 2 and for evaporator region 3 is taken in
each case in a simple U-shaped form along flow sections 13 or 14
through heating/cooling module 1.
[0057] FIG. 15 shows a structure similar to FIG. 14, whereby in
addition at the left end region a fluid distribution region 18,
extending at least over a subregion of the height of
heating/cooling module 1, is provided. Third fluid inlet 10 in
particular is provided in said distribution region. The further
fluid inlets and outlets 6 to 9 and 11 are located in the fluid
distribution region 4, situated on the right. A different routing
of the refrigerant within heating/cooling module 1 results because
of third inlet 10 in fluid distribution region 18. The refrigerant
flows in the upper region into condenser region 2 and there
downward and in a U-shaped manner upward again, before it flows
through subcooler region 20 into the upper region of collector 15.
From there, the refrigerant flows through the lower region of
heating/cooling module 1 back into subcooler region 20 and there
enters into a heat exchange with the coolant of condenser region 2.
Finally, the refrigerant flows upward and in the upper region to
the right into fluid distribution region 4, where it flows downward
and flows through expansion valve 5 into evaporator region 3. There
it flows back at the upper end region of heating/cooling module 1
and finally out of heating/cooling module 1 via third fluid outlet
11 in fluid distribution region 4.
[0058] FIG. 16 shows a similar structure, whereby to the left of
condenser region 2 a fluid distribution region 18 is now disposed
over the full height of heating/cooling module 1. First fluid inlet
6, third fluid inlet 10, and first fluid outlet 7 in particular are
located in fluid distribution region 18. The flow through
heating/cooling module 1 occurs largely similar to the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 15. Only the routing of the coolant
through condenser region 2 along flow section 13 is different in
that the coolant flows only in a U-shaped manner out of fluid
distribution region 18, situated on the left, through the lower
region of heating/cooling module 1 into condenser region 2 and into
subcooler region 20 and there flows upward and flows with a common
fluid routing out of first fluid outlet 7 in the upper region.
[0059] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment, whereby an external collector
16 is provided on the left next to condenser region 2 and further a
fluid distribution region 18, which extends at least over a
subregion in terms of height and is located at the upper end of
heating/cooling module 1.
[0060] In FIG. 17, the refrigerant flows through third fluid inflow
10, situated above, in fluid distribution region 18, situated on
the left, into heating/cooling module 1 and there passes in the
upper region into condenser region 2. There the refrigerant flows
downward and to the left into external collector 16. There the
refrigerant flows through collector 16 and finally flows at the
lower end region of collector 16 through condenser region 2 into
subcooler region 20, where it flows upward and is redirected in a
U-shaped manner and finally flows downward again and there enters
into heat exchange with the coolant of condenser region 2. The
refrigerant is passed at the lower end region into fluid
distribution region 4, situated on the right, before it flows
through expansion valve 5 into evaporator region 3 and there flows
upward in a U-shaped manner and finally to the left back into fluid
distribution region 4. The refrigerant then flows out via third
fluid outlet 11 at the upper end of heating/cooling module 1. The
coolant for condenser region 2 flows into fluid distribution region
4, situated on the right, in the lower region and is there
distributed in subcooler region 20 and condenser region 2, where it
flows upward and flows via a common flow section to the right back
into fluid distribution region 4, where is flows out at the upper
first fluid outlet 7.
[0061] FIG. 18 shows a further exemplary embodiment, whereby a
fluid distribution region 18 is located on the left, which has
first fluid inlet 6, first fluid outlet 7, and third fluid inlet
10; a condenser region 2 is disposed next to it to the right, a
subcooler region 20 next to that to the right, an internal heat
exchanger 17 next to that to the right, a fluid distribution region
4 next to that to the right, and finally an evaporator region 3
next to that to the right. The refrigerant is flowed in the upper
region of fluid distribution section 18, situated on the left, into
heating/cooling module 1 and finally passes to the right into
condenser region 2, where it flows downward and passes in the lower
end region into subcooler section 20. There, the refrigerant is
redirected upward and enters into heat exchange with the coolant of
condenser region 2. In the upper region, the refrigerant is passed
into internal heat exchanger 17, situated on the right, where it
flows downward and finally to the right through fluid distribution
region 4 and expansion valve 5, situated therein, into evaporator
region 3, situated on the right. There, it is taken upward in a
U-shaped manner and finally in the upper region back to the left,
where it flows into collector 22 within fluid distribution region
4. The refrigerant finally flows out at the lower end region of
collector 22 and back into internal heat exchanger 17, where it
finally flows upward and to the right back into fluid distribution
region 4 and flows out of third fluid outlet 11 in the upper region
of heating/cooling module 1.
[0062] The coolant of condenser region 2 flows in in the lower
region of left fluid distribution region 18 and flows in two flow
paths, running parallel to one another, upward both in subcooler
region 20 and also in condenser region 2 and is there taken via a
common flow path to first fluid outlet 7, situation above.
[0063] Collector 22 shown in FIG. 18 is a low-pressure collector
through which a low-pressure refrigerant flows. For this purpose,
in particular a pressure-reducing element can be provided, which
can be represented, for example, by a cross-sectional narrowing of
the flow path.
[0064] FIGS. 1 to 18 each show only a schematic flow through
heating/cooling module 1 or 1a. In particular, a number of
redirections can be provided, which lead to an improved circulation
of the refrigerant or coolant within heating/cooling module 1 or
1a. The flow directions of the coolant or refrigerant can also be
reversed in alternative embodiments, so that regions, flowing in a
cocurrent to one another, can thereby be flowed through in a
countercurrent to one another, as a result of which the heat
transfer can be improved.
[0065] FIGS. 1 to 18 show in particular only a schematic
illustration, by means of which, however, the range of solutions
with respect to material selection, dimensions, and the arrangement
of the elements relative to one another is not limited. In
particular the different possibilities of the sequential
arrangement of the individual regions, such as the fluid
distribution regions, the condenser region, the internal heat
exchanger, the subcooler region, the collector, and the evaporator
region, are not limited by the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 18. FIGS.
1 to 18 show only a non-exhaustive selection of the possible
arrangements.
[0066] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *